The automotive industry in India, one of the largest in the world, is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it has driven economic growth, employment, and technological advancements. On the other hand, it has been a major source of air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and noise pollution. The rapid urbanisation and rising disposable incomes have fueled an increase in vehicle ownership, exacerbating environmental challenges.
The Indian government has been proactive in addressing these challenges through various policies and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable mobility. Key measures include the introduction of Bharat Stage (BS) VI emission standards, which are equivalent to Euro 6 standards, mandating cleaner and more efficient vehicle technologies. Additionally, the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme has been instrumental in encouraging the production and use of electric vehicles (EVs).
On World Environment Day, industry leaders in India’s automotive sector have reiterated their commitment to sustainability and innovation. Here are some notable voices from the industry:
Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director, Volvo Car India, said: “The recent heatwave in India is yet another reminder that we need to take care of nature. Within the automotive domain, the road to a sustainable future is undeniably electric, and at Volvo Car India, we are fully committed to this journey. Our vision encompasses not only the creation of safer cars with a sustainable footprint, but also ensuring a safer planet for future generations. Our vision is to achieve climate neutrality by 2040 and aim to become an all-electric company by 2030.
Our dedication to sustainable mobility goes beyond just electrification, it also includes the materials we use in our electric cars. By prioritizing recyclable materials such as ocean plastic waste, bio-attributed material from forests, recycled PET bottles and corks recycled from the wine industry, we are working towards a positive impact on the environment. Looking ahead, we have set a goal to incorporate 25 per cent recycled and bio-based content in our new car models by 2025.”
Suman Mishra, MD and CEO of Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, said “Sustainability is our obligation to the future generations. This World Environment Day, let's choose pollution-free transportation and pave the way for a greener future.”
Manjula Girish, Business Head-EV Charging & Photovoltaic Inverter Division, Delta Electronics India, said “Electric Vehicles (EVs) are a transformative force in the fight against climate change. By significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional combustion engines, EVs play a critical role in mitigating global warming. At Delta Electronics India, we are committed to advancing EV technology and infrastructure, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Our innovations in EV charging solutions are designed to support the widespread adoption of electric mobility, further reducing our carbon footprint and fostering a healthier planet.
World Environment Day serves as a critical platform for the EV industry to showcase its commitment to a sustainable future. As the mission of the EV industry synchronizes with the mission of World Environment Day attributing to sustainability, emission reduction and climate change It’s a day to celebrate the progress we have made in electrifying transportation and highlight the positive impact EVs can have on our planet.”
Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VECV (Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles), said "India’s auto industry is transitioning its energy mix towards cleaner alternate fuels in line with the nation’s Net Zero commitments. Our approach at VECV is through application-specific alternate fuel drivelines, smart manufacturing processes, and smart support solutions contributing to the rapid modernisation of the Indian logistics ecosystem. We are committed to deliver on a diverse array of possibilities, including Battery Electric Vehicles, Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines, and fuel cell technology, which will be introduced as the market becomes ready. In addition to this, we also believe that sustainability is about efficient asset utilisation. All Volvo and Eicher trucks and buses are backed by a 100 per cent connected ecosystem to deliver on our promise of productivity and superior uptime for our customers.
Aligned with World Environment Day 2024’s focus on ‘Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration,' VECV has been actively introducing cleaner vehicles and sustainable practices across operations. In 2020, VECV’s manufacturing facility in Bhopal was the first in the CV industry to be established with Industry 4.0 standards. We reaffirm our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint aligned with the broader imperative of a greener and more sustainable future."
Vinnie Mehta, Director General, ACMA (Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India), said “The automotive sector is gearing up to play a key role in achieving India’s sustainability goals. Many of our ACMA members have taken significant steps towards decarbonisation and embracing principles of material circularity. We need to further intensify our efforts by collaborating across the value chain and adopting green manufacturing techniques and energy-efficient processes. Together, we can build a greener future for the automotive industry and our nation.”
Saurav Kumar, Founder & CEO, Euler Motors, said “The World Environment Day offers an opportunity to for all stakeholders to pause and rethink their impact on the planet. This is not a conversation limited only to the boardroom anymore, nor is it just a nod to a day on the calendar. We see people from all walks of life rising to alleviate the potential threat. For example, many individuals and businesses are now choosing electric vehicles (EVs) not only for their excellent performance but also because they understand that by opting for EVs, they will be operating a climate positive operation.
At Euler Motors – enabling India’s transition to sustainable mobility is core to our vision. That said, efforts towards creating a more sustainable future are a collective agenda, an effort that requires polity, citizens and organisations of all sizes and across industries to make conscious and visible changes to current ways of working – in order that we leave a habitable planet for future generations. We should aim to never have a hotter day than the National Capital saw, because then cities would eventually become uninhabitable. The responsibility lies with all of us, today.”
Anirudh Bhuwalka, CEO, Blue Energy Motors, said “Green trucking is not just a necessity but an opportunity for India to lead in sustainable transportation. With the nation's freight transportation sector expanding rapidly to meet the demands of a growing economy, the shift towards cleaner, more efficient technologies like LNG-powered trucks is crucial. Currently, India's road transport sector, dominated by heavy- and medium-duty trucks, is responsible for a significant portion of transport-related CO2 emissions. As the number of trucks on our roads is projected to more than quadruple by 2050, adopting green trucking solutions becomes imperative to mitigate environmental impacts. The Government of India has set ambitious clean energy targets, including achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and reducing carbon intensity by less than 45 per cent by the end of the decade. In this context, green trucking can play a pivotal role. By transitioning to LNG-powered trucks, we can significantly cut down on CO2 emissions from the commercial vehicles sector, which currently contributes up to 40 per cent of road emissions. This transition could lead to cumulative CO2 savings of 2.8 to 3.8 gigatonnes through 2050, an impact equivalent to or greater than India's entire economy-wide annual greenhouse gas emissions today.
LNG technology offers a viable pathway to decarbonize the heavy-duty trucking industry while also presenting substantial economic opportunities. If we achieve a 50 per cent conversion of the fleet to LNG, the reduction in carbon footprint would be immense, aligning perfectly with India's net-zero vision for 2070. Green trucking is more than a technological shift; it's a strategic imperative that supports the broader goals of economic growth, environmental stewardship, and energy security,”
Dr. Lalit Singh- CEO of TelioEV, said "Let's remember how important Electric Vehicles (EVs) are to preserving the future of our world as we observe Environment Day. It is now impossible to overlook the concerning rate of environmental deterioration, climate change, and air pollution. EVs minimise the terrible effects on the environment and offer a cleaner, greener substitute for fossil fuels.
We can increase local economies, enhance air quality, and encourage energy independence by moving to electric vehicles. A sustainable future is about to be shaped in large part by EVs as the world moves toward a low-carbon economy. I urge everybody to go forward, switch to electric vehicles, and get involved in the environmental cause. One electric mile at a time, let's promise to hasten the use of electric vehicles and We can change things together "
VG Anil, CEO of ARENQ, said "As we celebrate World Environment Day, I'm reminded of the pivotal role electric vehicle (EV) batteries play in India's green energy initiative. Our commitment to sustainability drives us to innovate, creating EV and solar batteries that power not just vehicles, but also homes and businesses with clean, renewable energy. By embracing EV technology, we're not just reducing carbon emissions, but also paving the way for a cleaner, greener India. Today, as we reflect on our environmental impact, let's continue to champion EV batteries as catalysts for change, driving us towards a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come."
Anil Gupta, Vice Chairman, Yokohama India, said “At Yokohama, we embark on every journey as a collaborative step with sustainability. Aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, we are committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 38 per cent by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Our manufacturing practices reflect this dedication; we invest significantly in conserving natural resources, increasing our utilization of renewable energy, and advocating sustainable methods throughout our supply chain. Notably, we stand out as one of the leading tire manufacturers in the Off-Highway Tires Sector with remarkably low water consumption in our operations.
Taking our corporate social responsibility seriously, we actively participate in various initiatives such as Rain Water Harvesting projects and Forever Forest programmes near our factories. In India alone, we've planted over 200,000 trees, contributing to the verdant landscape around our facilities. This effort involves our employees, customers, visitors, local government bodies, communities, and even school children. The Yokohama Group globally has a collective aim to plant 1.3 million trees worldwide by 2030, fostering a greener future for all.”
Sameer Aggarwal, Founder & CEO, Revfin Services, said "On this World Environment Day 2024, let us commit to the urgent task of restoring our land, fighting desertification, and enhancing drought resilience. Our land is our future, and our collective actions today will shape the health and prosperity of our planet for generations to come. We must understand the critical impact our choices have on the environment and prioritise sustainable practices to heal and protect our land.
At Revfin, our mission is to drive sustainable mobility through innovative financing solutions within the EV ecosystem. We are proud to support the ‘Shoonya – Zero Pollution Mobility’ campaign by NITI Aayog, which seeks to improve air quality by promoting the widespread use of electric vehicles (EVs) and advancing India’s transition to clean energy. By fostering awareness and embracing sustainable practices like utilizing green energy and EVs, we can secure a healthier planet. Let us pledge to make choices that restore and protect our land, ensuring a sustainable legacy for future generations. This day inspires us to embrace our role as #GenerationRestoration and take meaningful actions towards a more resilient and sustainable world.”
Hyder Khan, CEO, Godawari Electric Motors, said “The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) plays a pivotal role in mitigating climate change. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, drastically reducing air pollutants compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. This shift is crucial in decreasing the levels of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, which are major contributors to global warming. Additionally, EVs align with renewable energy sources, further amplifying their positive environmental impact. When powered by electricity from renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydro, EVs can achieve near-zero emissions throughout their lifecycle. This integration supports global efforts to transition towards a more sustainable energy ecosystem.
At Godawari Electric Motors, we are committed to driving this transformation by producing efficient and affordable electric 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers. Our goal is to provide eco-friendly transportation options that contribute to cleaner air and a healthier planet, while also addressing the mobility needs of a growing population. Together, we can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future. For companies like us, World Environment Day is an opportunity to showcase our commitment to creating a greener future through innovative electric mobility solutions. It allows us to engage with consumers, policymakers, and stakeholders to raise awareness about the environmental benefits of EVs, such as reduced carbon footprints and decreased reliance on fossil fuels. Moreover, this day provides a platform to discuss advancements in EV technology, share success stories, and promote the adoption of electric Vehicles.”
Akash Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO, Zypp Electric, said “Electric Vehicles (EVs) have a transformative impact on climate change, and Zypp Electric is leading this charge in India. As the country’s premier tech-enabled EV-as-a-Service platform, we are committed to achieving zero emissions and creating a carbon-free India. Our ecosystem of IoT and AI-enabled electric scooters, combined with strategically placed battery swapping stations, ensures efficient, low-maintenance, and high-performance last-mile delivery. This sustainable model not only lowers delivery costs but also significantly reduces urban pollution. With over 20,000 EVs and delivery pilots, we deliver packages in a manner that is both eco-friendly and cost-effective. By replacing traditional fuel-based vehicles, we are cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and making cities cleaner and healthier. Through our innovative solutions, Zypp Electric is playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change and driving a greener future.
At Zypp Electric, World Environment Day isn’t just a celebration – it’s a call to action for the EV industry. Transportation is a major source of pollution, and EVs are the key to a cleaner future. This day highlights the urgency of tackling climate change. For the EV industry, it’s a chance to showcase the transformative power of electric mobility. We can raise awareness about the environmental benefits of EVs – reduced emissions, cleaner air, and quieter cities. World Environment Day also unites stakeholders – policymakers, businesses, and citizens. It’s an opportunity to collaborate on building a robust EV ecosystem – from charging infrastructure to battery recycling. We are proud to be at the forefront of this revolution. Our sustainable last-mile delivery solutions demonstrate the positive impact EVs can have. On World Environment Day, let’s reiterate our commitment to a greener future, one electric mile at a time.”
